BEST FISHING IN ALASKA

King salmon start to migrate into the Naknek and Nushagak Rivers. It is followed by sockeye salmon, which peaks in late June and early July in the Naknek and Alagnak Rivers. You can also expect to catch Arctic char, grayling and northern pike during June. It’s no secret that the Nushagak River offers the best fishing in Alaska and is especially top-notch for salmon fishing, so there will also be an abundance of chum, pink and silver salmon in late summer. For the most part, aside from fluky bad weather days, June is the perfect time for clear blue skies and warm weather, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Part of the reason the fly-fishing in Alaska is some of the best on earth is that Bristol Bay’s pristine waters and the surrounding area make for an incredible habitat. Thanks to the remote nature of a nearly unscathed ecosystem and mindful conservation practices, the typical conditions in our slice of paradise lend themselves to enabling anglers a real chance at a trophy Alaskan rainbow trout. Native throughout Alaska’s coastal rivers, rainbow trout are an anadromous fish species, meaning they can thrive in both salt and freshwater systems. Rainbows that leave the sea to return to the river are commonly referred to as steelhead. However, our Bristol Bay variety tends to stick around the river, meaning they are true inland residents. Unlike their salmonid cousins, Alaskan rainbow trout can spawn more than once, further adding to their abundance.

WHERE TO FISH WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Since there are so many options for fly-fishing in Alaska, we’ve taken the liberty of narrowing down your choices to three main locales that are abundant with Alaska fish and wildlife: the Alagnak, Naknek and Nushagak Rivers.

ALAGNAK RIVER

The Alagnak River is a 64-mile tributary of the Kvichak and is one of the most important rivers for sport fishing, canoeing and kayaking in Alaska. Portage is possible but difficult, and rapid levels range from Class I to III in the ravine and are dangerous for novices. Due to the large numbers of salmon, you won’t be the only party fishing here, as both grizzly and black bears can be seen partaking in the fish buffet, especially during the Alaska fishing season.

NAKNEK RIVER

The Naknek River is a 35-mile stream that feeds into Kvichak Bay and is best known for its vibrant sockeye population. The Naknek headwaters originate within the Katmai National Park and Preserve, meaning your catch comes from a protected and pristine environment that provides an unscathed breeding ground for trophy salmon making their way toward your fly.

Nushagak River

The Nushagak is a 275-mile Class I river known for its massive salmon runs beginning in early June. It is estimated to produce nearly 50% of the world’s wild salmon and serves as a major source of commercial, subsistence and sport fishing activities that support the state and local economies